GRCC program targets academically unprepared students

A grant will fund the College Success Program, which will focus on support for developmental students.

Staff reports

Grand Rapids Community College received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education Title III program to increase the number of students who stay in college and graduate with a degree.

The program will focus on helping developmental education students — those needing extra courses and support.

The money will be distributed over five years. The grant will fund the College Success Program, which will focus on support for developmental students designed to meet three priorities:

• Support activities that will improve the college’s persistence and graduation rates

• Develop strategies to track outcomes for students

• Develop support programs to increase completion rates

The program will provide GRCC with an enhanced intake and data collection system, allowing the college to individually track student progress.

Among the program’s goals for 2016 is to increase the number degree-seeking developmental students who graduate within three years, receive a grade of C or better in developmental courses and complete more than 30 college credits.